Getting past PTSD

Neurovation Labs Inc. is developing a GRIA1-targeting tracer and a small molecule therapy that could provide an objective diagnosis of PTSD and treat the underlying disease instead of just its symptoms.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is diagnosed with a symptom checklist that is typically self-reported and therefore not objective.

Approved treatments include behavioral psychotherapy and the generic serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants sertraline and paroxetine. Antidepressants used off-label include the SSRI fluoxetine and the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) venlafaxine.

However, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD website, only 42% of PTSD patients respond to SSRI or SNRI drugs. The drugs also have black box warnings of increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.